The 2001 Palmer is a vintage that I have tasted several times, though Thomas Duroux lamented that he has very few bottles left at the property. The lovely bouquet of red berry fruit, dark chocolate, star anise and light iodine aromas gently unfolds from the glass, displaying a little more complexity than the 2001 Château Margaux that I tasted the same day. The palate is medium-bodied with a granular opening and a little ferrous in style, secondary notes percolating through the carapace of primary fruit. Tea leaves, allspice and black pepper define what feels like quite a robust finish, lacking the elegance that Palmer exhibits nowadays. Still, this is an excellent 2001 that probably deserves another 2–3 years in the cellar.
Medium-garnet colour. The nose is still very youthful with notes of ripe cassis, dark cherries, cloves, graphite, a touch of cedar and a little mint. The medium bodied, well structured palate gives medium-firm tannins, medium+ acidity with a good balance of plump, spicy fruit. The oak needs a little more time to marry and tannins are a little on the firm side but otherwise approachable now. Long finish. Drink now - 2025. Tasted February 2009.
Nose a little more subdued than the 2000, but this has the truffle, rosebud and woodsmoke combination of a Palmer that is at a perfect moment to share. Loganberry, raspberry, tobacco leaf, peony, mint leaf, the tannins are finessed and finely spun, tracing the outline of the fruit but not constricting it in any way. Waves of aromatics through the palate keep you hooked, this is nuanced, elegant, moreish, with so much Margaux appellation charater, and a juicy finish. Harvest September 29 to October 11. 60% new oak.
Mid crimson. A certain sweetness on the nose and reasonable balance, just a little bit too much oak.
A virile, muscular effort for this estate, the 2001 Palmer (a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot) exhibits a saturated purple color to the rim. Although closed and backward, it is surprisingly powerful, layered, and formidably endowed, revealing hints of charcoal, black fruits, earth, and underbrush. There is a lot going on in this offering, but it needs 5-7 years of cellaring to resolve its high tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022.
A deep garnet core, this has an introverted nose at first but it opens up in the glass to reveal cedar and cigar box aromas with just a hint of black olive interlacing the ripe black fruits. The fineness of the tannins is undeniable the fruit moving into secondary stage with hints of dried herbs and tobacco. Very good structure although it does not quite have the gravitas on the finish. It is more masculine and almost Saint-Julien like in its personality. Fine. Tasted March 2011.
